Statement of CECC Chairman Christopher Smith and Cochairman Sherrod Brown on the Arrival of Chen Guangcheng in the United States

Statement of CECC Chairman Christopher Smith and Cochairman Sherrod Brown on the Arrival of Chen Guangcheng in the United States

May 19, 2012

(Washington, DC)—Today we are relieved to learn that Chen Guangcheng, his wife, and two children have arrived safely in the United States. Mr. Chen endured more than four years in prison in China, after which he and his family suffered for more than a year and a half under brutal conditions of illegal home confinement.

As chairs of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China we join many other Americans in welcoming him and his family to our country.

We remain deeply concerned, however, that Mr. Chen’s supporters and family members who remain in China face the real threat of retaliation from Chinese officials. The Chinese government must guarantee their safety and well-being, and ensure that their fundamental rights to free expression, liberty of movement, and access to counsel are fully protected.

The Chinese government must also fulfill its promise to investigate the illegal actions taken against Mr. Chen, and demonstrate that China respects the rule of law.

Mr. Chen exposed abuses in China’s population planning policy, including forced abortion and sterilization. He advocated for the disabled and villagers poisoned by water pollution. Others continue to fight for women's rights, worker rights, freedom of religion, and an end to corruption.

Finally, we remain concerned for the countless other human rights advocates who continue to fight every day, just as Mr. Chen did, to make their country better. The Chinese government must end its repression of these brave citizens and show, once and for all, its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.